As a commercial radio DJ, Allen has an easy confidence in talking to an audience that many of his fellow comedy newcomers lack.

Ironically, given his other job, his only real problem is that he's yet to find his voice. The material that is so effectively delivered remains solid, rather than distinctive.

But his writing is getting sharper all the time, with corresponding increase in the laughs this charming and witty persona gets.

It's hard to see him ever making comedy's superstar league, but a couple of years into his stand-up career, Allen's showing a workmanlike progress through the ranks that has to be encouraging.